Q&A With Author Alisa H. Klinger

I’m so happy to be able to have Alisa Klinger on the blog today! She is the author of The Perfect Move, a mystery that takes place in an upscale neighborhood with a stay-at-home mom as a sleuth! Check out our chat below!

Hi Alisa! Thank you so much for participating in my Q&A. I recently read and enjoyed The Perfect Move. What was the inspiration behind this book?

The inspiration for this book was sparked by a real experience that occurred many years ago. There was a mysterious death where I lived that I always wondered about. I guess you can say I wondered so much I developed my own story as to what happened.

I loved how you dubbed this book as a “luxury mystery” instead of a cozy, with a stay-at-home mom as a sleuth. Did you have a favorite character?

Thank you! I thought that it described the setting of the book perfectly! I love all the characters in the book. If I had to choose a favorite it would be Nathan Friedman. I always gravitate to older people. Nathan is a creation of the perfect friend I’d like to have.

Was this your first published novel? How was the process for you and did you have help or have to navigate a lot on your own?

This is my first published novel. I pretty much flew solo. I did have help and support from some fellow self-published authors. Additionally, I hired an incredible graphic designer who was extremely helpful.

Who was your biggest cheerleader when writing The Perfect Move?

I was so fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family including my mom and sons.

I’m always curious how authors decide on a cover design, how did you choose yours?

Selecting a cover was definitely a process. I’m thankful to have a wonderfully patient graphic designer. Together we underwent a process of narrowing down what we wanted on the cover, what we wanted the cover to portray and made sure it represented the genre.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a writer. I think I’m more of a storyteller. I loved creating entertaining tales. I’m still working on the writing aspect!

What are some favorite books you grew up reading?

When I was young, I read Hardy Boys Mysteries and Choose Your Own Adventure. When I was a teenager, I read Judy Blume books and then moved on to Mary Higgins Clark and Agatha Christie.

I know from reading your bio that you have worn many hats before becoming an author! Can you tell us a little about those?

I have had the good fortune to try out different careers! I started out as an educator and think that is my passion. I love learning and sharing what I learned. So, all of my careers had an education component to them. I was a teacher, stay at home mom, realtor, and writer.

I also read that you recently moved from New York to Florida! How has that transition been and what do you love the most about FL and miss the most about NY?

I love the Florida weather! And miss the New York change of seasons. I am fortunate that I can spend time in both states!

What are some hobbies you enjoy?

I enjoy playing the paddle sport of Pickleball. It is a fun game that is similar to tennis, racquet and ping pong! I also enjoy reading on the beach! This year I’ve read many great books. It’s been a good reading year so far.

How did you celebrate after publishing The Perfect Move?

Shortly after the book was released, I went with my family to OHEKA Castle’s OHR restaurant to celebrate. Being that Maltz mansion is inspired by OHEKA castle it was the perfect place to celebrate.

Do you have any more books in the works?!

I am hoping to create a second book including Hope and Nathan!

Wow I can’t believe this book was based on real experience, how wild 😮! I love that the setting was inspired by such a stunning castle and you were able to celebrate there. What a special memory 💕. A friend of mine has been asking me to play Pickleball, maybe I should give it a shot!

Thank you so much Alisa for taking the time for this Q&A- I can’t wait to hear more about Hope and Nathan!

To learn more about Alisa and her debut novel, follow her on Instagram!